The Art of Learning: Unit Plans

SKEA Artists bring Art into the Classroom
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Convention Center Contest Posters2007-2008 All Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students plan, design, draw, and paint posters in response to the contest theme, using designated media. For each grade level, particular elements of art and principles of design are emphasized. In addition, students learn how to make a “stand-out” piece of work to submit to a contest.
American Inventors2007-20081DramaSocial StudiesSS 1.3.2
Pairs of students present the name of their inventor and the invention in a short program for the classes in the school, families, and staff. Students devise props to represent or show the invention involved as part of their presentation. The teaching artist uses drama games to help students prepare to give their presentations. The focus is on speaking loudly, clearly and confidently, and making eye contact with the audience. Listening skills are also addressed for being part of the audience.
Characterization in The Little Red Hen 2005-20061DramaLanguage ArtsLA 1.3.1
Students learn how to create a voice for a character and how to perform a dialog. Students also make a paper plate stick puppet of the Little Red Hen and introduce the puppet to the class, using a voice for the puppet character they have created.
Classical Music Introduction2006-20071MusicFine ArtsNone
Students hear famous themes from three pieces of classical music, the composers, and the stories associated with the music. They learn about the string family of instruments, and especially the violin, as the artist shows them the actual instrument and plays for them. The unit culminates in a live performance by a string trio, playing some of the themes the students have learned.
Exploring Liquids & Solids with Paints2005-20061Visual ArtsScienceSC 1.6.1
Students use three different kind of paints to create original art works. They explore paint as both liquid and solid (powder paint), and introducing solids into the paint (salt, sand, and straw). Students also get an introduction to the mixing of primary colors to make secondary colors.This unit was originally taught as an extension of the FOSS science unit on Liquids and Solids.
Fun with Clay2006-20071Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students will explore the idea of three-dimensional artwork and learn how to work with clay. They will make three small projects, let them dry, and paint them.
Gingerbread Man Meets the Musubi Man 2005-20061DramaSocial StudiesSS 1.6.1
Students compare versions of a folk tale from two different cultures, performing one version as a Reader’s Theatre play. They explore the cultural elements in stories, learning that our cultural practices here in Hawaii are both similar and different from those in other places. In drama, students learn basic drama terminology and build a repertoire of basic drama activities that provide a foundation for later drama experience. In visual art, students create two- and three-dimensional artwork to use for the Readers’ Theatre set. In Language Arts, they learn to use oral expression, identify characters and setting, and how to write a letter.
Making Gifts of Clay, Gr 12007-20081Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Children make three things which could be given as holiday gifts, while learning basic techniques for working with clay.
Metamorphosis Through Art2006-20071Visual ArtsScienceSC 1.2.2
Each lesson will either compare differences or examine changes in nature from the beginning to the mature stages. Students get experience with several visual arts media as they learn to be close observers of nature and record their observations through drawing, painting, or making puppets. Lessons alternate between using art to record scientific observation and responding to nature creatively through the visual arts.
Music & Dance in Different Cultures 2005-20061MusicFine ArtsFA 1.2.8
Students learn simple dances used to celebrate holidays or historical events in different cultures. Some dances include playing rhythm instruments.
Quilt Batik2008-20091Visual ArtsScienceSC 1.3.1
In conjunction with a study of marine animals and plants, students make a Sea Life Quilt with a block designed by each student. Students begin by drawing an animal they have studied, and then use the batik process to complete the work. The class discusses how to order the finished blocks to make the quilt, which is then displayed at the school.
Community Made from Clay2007-20082Visual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 2.7.1
With each lesson students create another element that makes up a small community, using clay.
Dramatizing a Story2007-20082DramaLanguage ArtsLA 2.3.2
Students explore character, setting, and plot by “becoming” animate and inanimate objects and story characters.
Exploring Musical Instruments2007-20082MusicFine ArtsNone
Students learn about the voice and body as a complex musical/language instrument. They explore rhythm patterns, pitch and melody, and how these connect with various moods, emotions and ideas. Students gain an understanding of how music and musical instruments have evolved. They are introduced to various instruments and instrument families, and use instruments in a performance that concludes their three-week introduction to music.
Exploring Three Food Chains Thru Art2008-20092Visual ArtsScienceSC 2.4.1
In conjunction with learning about food chains in three different habitats, students create a drawing, a painting, and cards for a game.
Making a Poetry Quilt2006-20072Visual ArtsLanguage ArtsLA 2.4.1
Before the artist comes in, the teacher will guide students in thinking about how to use language to express mood. Students will write original poems about a color and choose one to contribute to a class poetry quilt. Their poems are copied onto transparencies, which are then laminated onto painted backgrounds. These squares are then sewn together to create a poetry quilt. With the artist, students will create a watercolor background for their original poems, using what they learn about color mixing and warm and cool colors to match the mood of their poems.
Mood in Poetry and Art2008-20092Visual ArtsLanguage ArtsLA 2.5.1
Students are introduced to free-verse poetry and selected art reproductions, showing how feelings and moods are expressed in both art and poetry. Students complete three abstract-type paintings focusing on mood expressed through color, and write a “feelings” poem.
The Language of Vision2006-20072Visual ArtsFine Arts2.1.1
With each lesson students examine elements and principles of art such as line, shape, form, space, light, color, and texture with a variety of visual arts media. In addition students demonstrate expressive qualities of mood and emotions. They will create a self-portrait, land/seascape, mixed media work, and sculpture. Each lesson is started with a 3 minute line-drawing warm-up.
Animal Survival2005-20063DramaScienceSC 3.4.1
Students learn that plants and animals all have structures that help them survive. In acting out scenes involving animals, students also learn that a dramatic scene has characters, setting, dialog/action, and plot.
Art and Geometry2008-20093Visual ArtsMathMA 3.6.1
Students learn to apply understanding of triangles and symmetry in math to various projects in visual arts, thereby strengthening their understanding of the math concepts.
Art of Pablo Picasso2006-20073Visual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 3.6.1
In conjunction with a Social Studies unit on Spain, the artist introduces the work of Spanish artist Pablo Picasso. Picasso drew from many aspects of Spanish culture in creating his work, but always with an original stamp. In each lesson students examine elements and principles of art such as line, shape, form, space, light, color and texture with a variety of visual arts media. In addition, students demonstrate expressive qualities of mood and emotions. They will create a face, a mask, still life, and two clay pieces. Each lesson is started with a 3 minute line-drawing warm-up.
Art with Geometric Figures2008-20093Visual ArtsMathMA 3.6.1
Students learn to apply understanding of geometric figures to various projects in visual arts.
Classical Music Themes2006-20073MusicFine ArtsNone
Students are introduced to famous themes from classical music, the composers, and the stories associated with the music. They learn about the string family of instruments, and especially the violin, as the artist shows them the actual instrument and plays for them. Musical terms are introduced in connection with the various pieces of music. The unit culminates in a live performance by a string trio, playing some of the themes the students have learned.
Color My World2005-20063Visual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 3.7.1
By making individual globes, students learn that we live on a sphere with 7 continents and where they are located on the earth. By doing research on the continents and then designing an icon to represent each one, they learn some of the physical and human characteristics that make regions unique.In the process of making their globes, students learn to use visual arts vocabulary related to the elements and design principles.
How Plants Depend on Animals2005-20063DramaScienceSC 3.3.1
Students will learn that animals help plants survive by contributing to seed dispersal, pollination, and photosynthesis. This unit introduces basic drama elements and protocols as students create machines and add-on sculptures, and use pantomime to embody the science concepts being taught.
Introduction to Landscape2008-20093Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students are guided in creating a landscape, learning techniques for representing distance.
Kamishibai: Japanese Storytelling2005-20063DramaSocial StudiesSS 3.6.1
Students explore the questions, What is a culture? and How is a culture reflected in storytelling and art? They learn about the Japanese tradition of storytelling called kamishibai. Then they prepare for a kamishibai performance for another class by drawing a story scene, writing text summarizing the scene, learning to use their voices expressively in telling a story and how to speak in front of an audience.
Kapa & Printing2007-20083Hawaiian Cultural ArtsScienceSS 3.6.1
Students create a design for their kihei. They learn to interpret Hawaiian designs and hear the legends associated with kapa-making and printing.
Performance of Los Machetes2007-20083DanceSocial StudiesSS 3.6.1
Four classes of 3rd graders learned a traditional Mexican dance called Los Machetes. Then they collaboratively developed four original variations. The dance with the variations was performed as part of the school's May Day celebration for parents and friends.
Picture Postcards--Felted Scenes2008-20093Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students create a wool felting picture postcard using colored wool and a felting needle. Looking at art reproductions introduces the idea of creating a landscape with a foreground, middle ground, and background.
Exploring the Visual Arts2005-20064Visual ArtsMathMA.4.5.1
Students have a chance to be exposed to a variety of visual art themes, media, techniques, and tools. Connections can be made by the classroom teacher with geometry, writing, and cultural anthropology. Each lesson includes a vocabulary list.
Hawaii's Endangered Species2006-20074Visual ArtsScienceSCV 4.5.3
Students will select a Hawaiian animal that is endangered and gather information about its environmental requirements. Then they will create a picture showing the animal and one of its key environmental elements.
Jazz Boot Camp2008-20094MusicFine ArtsNone
Students will understand what jazz is, what jazz improvisation is, and how to sing jazz improvisation. The students will be learning how to create their own style of scat; how to create music; how to figure out music lines and improvise on those lines. They will come to understand music as a form of communication. In the process, they will conquer shyness, learn to release their own voices, and become confident with intention while singing or speaking.
Making Kapa Cloth2005-20064Hawaiian Cultural ArtsSocial StudiesSS 4.3.1
Students follow the steps for making kapa cloth, as the ancient Hawaiians did. They begin by stripping wauke, letting the bark ferment, then pounding it, and finally, printing on it.Students also get an introduction to the mixing of primary colors to make secondary colors.This unit was originally taught as an extension of the FOSS science unit on Liquids and Solids.
Our Changing Earth2006-20074Visual ArtsScienceSC 4.8.1
Students will engage in two visual arts projects to deepen their understanding that the earth’s crust is made up of layers and that there are both slow processes (such as weathering and erosion) and fast processes (such as volcanic eruptions and tsunamis) that reshape the surface of the earth. In connection with their artwork, they will consider the idea that nature is not “art,” but our perception and arrangement of natural objects can be art.
Drawing by Seeing2008-20095Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students learn to do contour, gesture, and 3-dimensional drawings using pencils and charcoal. In the last session, they use all the techniques practiced in previous lessons to create a detailed profile portrait of a classmate in charcoal.
Native American Skin Stories2006-20075Visual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 5.3.2
Students studying Native American lifestyles in early America and Native American myths and legends will write a legend that reflects a Native American culture. They will then create a “skin” and write the story on the “skin” using pictographs.
One Point Perspective2008-20095Visual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Students create a colored-pencil drawing of a room at home using one point perspective.
Performing a Swedish Winter Song2005-20065MusicFine ArtsFA 5.5.4
Students participated in a performance of a Swedish song by doing one of the following: Singing in Swedish, playing rhythmic accompaniment, playing melodic accompaniment, or doing the traditional Swedish dance for the song. Working with the artist for 5 sessions, students learned the song, learned their parts, practiced working together as an ensemble, and performed at the school’s winter concert for parents and friends.
The Art of Ethnobotany2008-20095Hawaiian Cultural ArtsLanguage ArtsLA 5.4.1
This unit is an exploration of the native uses and traditional propagation techniques of Hawaiian plants. Students learn that through many generations, people survived without any stores because they grew what they needed for food, clothes, and tools. This unit focuses on art objects made with plants, such as ipu pawehe (gourd carving and decorating). The students plant seeds for future projects at the school and make plant journals which illustrate the legends related to the plants and useful information about certain Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian food plants. Through this project, they learn that gardening is an art, and out of gardening many arts are derived. The long-term goal of this project is to create a living lab of natural plants for future projects in Art, Science, Social Studies, and Literacy.
Filming a Musical2008-2009High SchoolDramaFine ArtsFA 9-12.3.2
1) Assemble Production Team (Directors Vision & Schedule) 2) Review & Edit Script 3) Cast Read through 4) Rehearsal & Filming • Look At Me I’m Sandra Dee • Summer Loving (Girls & Boys) • Greased Lightning 5) Editing Process 6) Opening Reception
Issues Posters2007-2008High SchoolVisual ArtsSocial StudiesFA9-12.1.1
Students identify current issues and create a persuasive poster to share with students, and possibly also with legislators or county council members.
Partner Dance Project2008-2009High SchoolDancePhysical EducationPE 9-12.1.1
Social dance is taught to the high school students as a medium of self-expression and collaboration. They in turn teach basic coordination and movement skills to younger grade students, using dance and performance as a vehicle to transfer knowledge of health and social issues.
Romare Bearden's Art of the 60's2006-2007High SchoolVisual ArtsSocial StudiesSS.10.3.25
During the 1960’s there were profound movements in civil rights and other social issues. Romare Bearden is an artist whose work reflected this as he depicted his community and its surroundings in his world-famous collages. In these lessons, students will discuss Bearden’s work and then create a collage of their own, reflecting the community in which they live.
WWII Poster Art2006-2007High SchoolVisual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 10.3.19
During WWII a great deal of poster art was produced, often with a purpose of persuading the viewer about a social issue. After looking at a sampling of 1940’s poster art, students will create a poster focusing on a current issue of importance to them. Elements of poster design as well as techniques for using acrylic paint will be taught.
Characters in The Little Red Hen 2005-2006KDramaLanguage ArtsLA K.3.2
Students learn how to differentiate characters in a familiar story through movment and voice, becoming the Cat, the Dog, the Duck, and the Little Red Hen in group activities. Students also make a paper plate stick puppet of the Little Red Hen and introduce the puppet to the class, using a voice for the puppet character they have created.
Classical Music for Kindergarten2006-2007KMusicFine ArtsNone
Students hear famous themes from three pieces of classical music, the composers, and the stories associated with the music. They learn about the string family of instruments, and especially the violin, as the artist shows them the actual instrument and plays for them. The unit culminates in a live performance by a string trio, playing some of the themes the students have learned.
I Can Make Music2008-2009KMusicFine ArtsNone
Young students learn to use their voices, bodies, and simple rhythm instruments to make music.
Insects in the Books of Eric Carle 2005-2006KDramaScienceSC K.1.1
These lessons extend a unit combining an author study of the books of Eric Carle with the FOSS Science unit on Insects. Students observe various insects in Carle’s books and discuss the similarities and differences of the insects and their habitats, as well as the life-cycle of a butterfly. The insect-related books used are starred, but other options include: • The Very Hungry Caterpillar* • The Grouchy Ladybug* • The Very Quiet Cricket • The Very Lonely Firefly • The Very Clumsy Click Beetle. With the artist, students create three different insect puppets, using a variety of materials and techniques. They move the puppets in the way those insects move and have simple “conversations” between the puppets. Clay forms are used to reinforce learning about marine animals, numbers, and letters.
Making Gifts of Clay, Kindergarten2007-2008KVisual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Children make three things which could be given as holiday gifts, while learning basic techniques for working with clay.
Marine Study in Art2006-2007KVisual ArtsScienceSC K.1.1
In connection with their study of marine life, students will individually paint turtles, dolphins, and fish which will then become part of a collaborative mural.
Exploratory Pottery Projects2006-2007Middle SchoolVisual ArtsFine Arts6_8.1.4
Students did several progressively more difficult pottery projects learning pinch, coil, and slab construction, as well as glazing techniques. All the pots were fired and students discussed the effects of various techniques on the finished product.
Hawaiian Printmaking2006-2007Middle SchoolHawaiian Cultural ArtsFine Arts6_8.1.2
Students learn about traditional Hawaiian printmaking techniques and then apply these in printing their own contemporary designs. In the final session, the class creates a collective work that incorporates the individual designs of each student from previous sessions.
Native Hawaiian Plants2006-2007Middle SchoolHawaiian Cultural ArtsScienceSC 7.3.2
Students took an inventory of the native Hawaiian plants on their campus, learned the traditional and contemporary uses, legends associated with particular plants, and the significance of the plants in the Hawaiian environment. They also researched, planted, and cared for native Hawaiian plants that were not already present. They labeled the plants on campus with their Hawaiian and scientific names.
Sumi-e Illustrations of Haiku2006-2007Middle SchoolVisual ArtsWorld LanguagesWL.IS.6-8.4.2
Students will be introduced to a Japanese brush painting technique called Sumi-e. They will illustrate an original haiku poem written in their Japanese language class.
Three Cultures: Three Folktales2006-2007Middle SchoolVisual ArtsSocial StudiesSS 6.2.2
Each 6th grade class on the team selects a folk tale from a continent included in their World Cultures study. Then students create a script, design costumes, scenery, and props, and perform the play for students and parents. In visual arts, students discuss how the “look” of the production will reflect the culture from which the tale comes. Then they work with the artist to design costumes, scenery, and props. In drama/Language Arts (oral communication), students learn how voice and actions convey character. In Language Arts (writing), students learn to write a script. In Social Studies, students discuss how folktales reflect and express culture. They look at what the tales reveal about families and communities in ancient society. They compare and contrast the values embedded in the tales with the values of our society today.
Bug's Life: The Art of Science2006-2007Pre schoolVisual ArtsScienceScience #1
In connection with a science study on bug life, the artist helps students make bug murals on large cardboard boxes. Students paint freely to make the background, then are guided in creating a variety of insects using a range of art materials and media. Finally, the insects and flowers are cut out and pasted onto the mural background.
Classical Music for Preschool2006-2007Pre schoolMusicFine ArtsNone
Students are introduced to famous themes from three pieces of classical music, the composers, and the stories associated with the music. They learn about the string family of instruments, and especially the violin, as the artist shows them the actual instrument and plays for them. The unit culminates in a live performance by a string trio, playing some of the themes the students have learned.
Learning Through Music 2005-2006Pre schoolMusicLanguage ArtsLA.K
Students sang songs and used creative movement to reinforce learning of letters, numbers, colors, days of the week, and activities they do at school and at home.
Making Felted Balls2008-2009Pre schoolVisual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Each student creates a wool roving ball that has been felted by hand using white wool roving, water, and soap. Students choose smaller pieces of colored wool to apply to the basic ball. The ball can be used for play, relaxation exercises, or hung on a string and used as a decoration.
Preschoolers Explore Art Media2006-2007Pre schoolVisual ArtsFine ArtsNone
Each lesson encourages the students to discover, invent, and express their visual ideas and feelings. Students will use drawing, painting, mixed media and clay. Each lesson will have a line drawing warm-up.
Print Making for Parents and Preschoolers2005-2006Pre schoolVisual ArtsCreative CurriculumP Goal 1
Preschool students and their parents are guided through 4 print-making sessions using objects and materials found around the homeor outdoors. The objective is to introduce projects that parents could repeat or extend at home.Parents and children made cards and bookmarks printed with household objects; bookcovers or wrapping paper decorated with leaf prints and rubbings; and printed designs with fabric paints on T-shirts.
What Can We Do With Clay? 2005-2006Pre schoolVisual ArtsLanguage ArtsLanguage #4
Students exercise gross and fine motor skills as they manipulate clay and press designs into it. They learn some vocabulary related to clay and the tools and processes they are using.Clay forms are used to reinforce learning about marine animals, numbers, and letters.
Zoo Animals Mural2007-2008Pre schoolVisual ArtsScienceStandard 4
Students create two large murals of zoo animals in their environments. Science discussions include what the animals looks like, how they are alike and different in shapes and colors, and what their natural environments look like. In art, students learn about textures as they do rubbings and printing, and they experiment with color and shape through painting and printing.